[Neck Pain] Choosing the Wrong Pillow Worsens Neck Pain? Use the Right Pillow to Prevent Stiff Neck!

Causes of stiff neck/torture

First, to understand stiff neck/torture, let's first understand its causes!

Causes of stiff neck/wry neck (1): Incorrect sleeping posture

One very important cause is incorrect sleeping posture. For example, some people may be used to sleeping on their stomach, but this can cause the neck muscles to be stretched for a long time, resulting in a stiff neck. Another more common cause is that the head is not fully placed on the pillow while sleeping, or half of the head slips down in the middle of the night, which is a true "stiff neck." This leaves a gap between the pillow and the neck, and the neck has to unconsciously exert force to maintain this position while sleeping, which can cause the neck muscles to be tense for a long time and easily lead to a stiff neck.

Causes of stiff neck/wry neck (Part 2): Sleeping while sitting

Another cause is sleeping while sitting. Sleeping while sitting can easily lead to neck strain because the neck is not properly supported, which can also cause the neck muscles to be stretched and become tight.

Causes of stiff neck/neck pain (Part 3): Inappropriate pillow height and firmness

Improper pillow height and firmness can also lead to neck strain. If the pillow is too firm, the neck muscles will tense up as if they are fighting against the pillow; conversely, if it is too soft, the neck will not receive proper support, leading to neck and shoulder pain upon waking. In addition, pillow height is also very important. If the pillow is too high, it can easily cause the neck to remain tense for extended periods, resulting in neck strain. Therefore, when choosing a pillow, it is essential to consider your body shape and select a pillow height that suits you.

How to relieve a stiff neck/wry neck

Neck pain is an acute condition that usually heals naturally in three to five days. Here are some ways to quickly relieve the pain:

Generally, if the muscle is just a spasm, you can use warm therapy such as hot compresses or infrared radiation to relax the muscle. However, if the muscle is strained, it is better to use ice packs. If you experience shoulder pain, you can gently rotate your shoulder backward and do some shoulder-stretching movements to relax the scapular muscles and relieve neck pain.

3 Myths about Neck/Stiff Neck

Myth 1: Does using a cotton-filled pillow make it easier to get a stiff neck?

Actually, that's not the case. More important than the material is whether the pillow's height properly supports your cervical spine. This is the main factor determining whether you'll experience neck pain. A pillow that's too high may cause your neck to tighten while sleeping, while a pillow that's too low may put unnecessary pressure on your neck. Choosing the wrong pillow will only worsen your neck pain!

Myth (2): Can a low pillow prevent a stiff neck?

As mentioned above, a pillow that is too low may cause muscle tension and even neck and shoulder pain. You may feel a "dull soreness" when you wake up in the morning, so the pillow height should be moderate.

Myth (3): Can massage relieve a stiff neck?

While massaging muscles can have a soothing effect, we do not recommend using massage to relieve a stiff neck, as excessive force can actually worsen the condition. Relieving a stiff neck should focus on muscle relaxation, applying ice/heat, and stretching. Unless the person massaging is highly experienced or a professional, attempting to relieve a stiff neck on your own may be counterproductive.

Recommended health pillow—Re Pillow 2

So, what kind of pillow qualifies as a healthy pillow, preventing neck strain or stiff neck? We recommend Re Pillow 2. Re Pillow 2 allows users to adjust the pillow height to suit various sleeping positions and body types. Because the pillow height can be adjusted at any time, it reduces neck and shoulder pain caused by an unsuitable pillow height.

In addition, the Re Pillow 2's filling material uses soft, microfibers that mimic natural down, combined with cotton in a "curled" design, resembling miniature slingshots. This makes it more durable and elastic than regular cotton pillows, offering both softness and support. Because of these features, the Re Pillow 2 has recently become a popular pillow recommendation. Visit the official website to learn more!